Cheat sheet to Phoenix

So much to experience, so little time. If you see and do nothing else, the following Phoenix destinations are surefire ways to let the good times roll.

Heard Museum

Why go? The Heard Museum is world-renowned for its Native American art and culture exhibits, and no one does it better. Be entertained and get educated at the same time.

Best time to go: We suggest February (Annual World Championship Hoop Dance Contest) and November (Spanish Market & Festival- Artwork by top Hispanic artists).

Nearby: If you're an art aficionado, definitely check out the Phoenix Art Museum. It's largest in the Southwest and features a permanent collection of 13,000 works ranging from contemporary art to Western classics. For the ladies, it has a must-see fashion design exhibit.

Arizona Science Center

Why go?: Your kids will absolutely love this place. This center is one of the Valley's crown jewels and is located in downtown Phoenix. It features a multitude of hands-on exhibits, a planetarium and large-screen theater.

Best time to go: Anytime of year. It's also a great way to spend several hours in a cool, air-conditioned environment if you're here during summer.

Why go?: Yee-haw! Rawhide remains one of the most popular family attractions in the Valley. The web site says, "If you're looking for a wild time, Rawhide is the place! With over 16 rides, attractions, and games, you're sure to be happier than billy goat in a tin can factory!" Need we say more?

Best time to go: Anytime of year. In summer, the Yankee Doodle Fourth of July celebration is especially fun. It features one of the Valley's largest fireworks displays.

Scottsdale

Why go?: Located just northeast of downtown Phoenix, many consider the eclectic city of Scottsdale the cultural heart of the Valley. It is home to over 60 resorts and spas, 120-plus art galleries, some 600 restaurants and nearly 200 golf courses. Downtown Scottsdale is also one of the most popular nightlife destinations with over upscale 30 nightspots, many of which are within walking distance of each other.

Travel tip: In town during the hot summer months? Relax poolside at the one of the city's many luxury resorts. Book your trip now.

For art lovers: Scottsdale's art scene boasts more than 125 galleries, studios & museums; not to mention more than 60 public artworks. Our favorite destination: Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Arts.

Best time to go: Spring and early summer.

Scottsdale nightlife

Why go?: If you're looking for nocturnal fun, then you should know that the sun never sets in this part of the Sonoran Desert. After dark, Scottsdale's bars, restaurants and clubs come alive. Your choices range from hip clubs serving up progressive dance to salsa. Mix it up with other venues that offer upscale downtime in cozy wine bars and bistros. In downtown Scottsdale alone there are some 30 nightspots, many of which are within walking distance of each other.

Best time to go: Late fall, spring and early summer.

Editor's picks: Want to get your groove on? You can't go wrong at high-octane dance clubs like Axis and Radius (connected by a glass catwalk), Sanctuary and Barcelona. Click here for more ideas.

South Mountain Park

What is it?: South Mountain is the largest municipal park in the nation. The 16,500-acre park (11 miles across) is home to a variety of animal wildlife and over 300 specimens of desert plants.

Why go?: This is the place to go if you like to hike, bike, ride horses or just stroll along the park's numerous trails. The park also features picnic areas and ramadas, a scenic road and spectacular lookouts.

Travel tip: Not exactly in primo physical shape? No worries, the parks hiking and biking trails will accommodate all skill levels.

Where is it?: The main entrance to the park is about seven miles south of downtown Phoenix. From Phoenix or the west Valley, drive south on Central Avenue until it ends. Hours: 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

Best time to go: Late fall, spring and early summer.

Phoenix Botanical Gardens

Why go?: Nestled amid the red buttes of Papago Park, the garden hosts one of the world's finest collections of desert plants. It is a one-of-a-kind museum showcasing 50 acres of beautiful outdoor exhibits.

Flower power: Nearly 20,000 plants can be seen along the four trails of the garden. The garden is also home to 139 rare, threatened and endangered plant species from around the world.

Travel tip: Wear sturdy walking shoes. Since this is an outdoor venue, drink plenty of water when visiting in summer.

Where is it?: The garden is located in Phoenix on 145 acres in the midst of the red rock buttes of Papago Park at 1201 North Galvin Parkway.

Best time to go: Many of the flowers bloom during the spring, the colorful wildflower season.

Apache Trail

What is it?: The historic Apache Trail is a great day drive near Phoenix that snakes along a string of scenic, man-made lakes on the Salt River.

Why go?: It's an easy day trip amid lots of lake scenery that offers opportunities for picnicking, photography and boating.

The drive: The route (Arizona 88) passes through Tonto National Forest, Lost Dutchman State Park, Tortilla Flat and Roosevelt Lake. Your drive will end in Apache Junction or Globe, depending on which end you use as a starting point.

Along the way: A fun stop is the Goldfield Ghost Town. Walk down Main Street, explore the many shops, tour the mine, visit the Superstition Mountain/Lost Dutchman Museum, pan for gold, take a narrow gauge train ride or witness an old west gun fight.

Best time to go: Late fall, spring and early summer.

Travel tip: For day-trippers, end your drive at the "town" of Tortilla Flat, about 2 miles past Canyon Lake. Once a stagecoach stop, the town offers a saloon that serves "Old West" burgers and prickly pear cactus ice cream.

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